I’m no agony aunt, but I’ve been around the block enough to know when I see the real-deal in relationships. Memes on being super needy yet need your own space in a relationship flood my Facebook feed, and while being amusing they showcase how pretty much all of us crave a solid relationship.

Remember when you were 18 and you thought you were ‘running out of time’? Funny right? I’m here to tell you that whatever stage in life you are, you still have plenty of time to find a lifetime partner! Enjoy the game to find your perfect match – because a bad date makes a much better story than an okay one.

Here are 5 things to know about finding a lifetime partner

#1 Take it Slow

This is easier said than done when you have met ‘the one’! You have to try and take it slow , as you don’t know this person yet and you have to give them time for their true nature to show. At the start we always put on our best behaviour but enjoy the romantic stage without planning your 20 grandchildren – you want to make sure they are the real-deal in reality and not just in your fantasy.

#2 Don’t be restrained by a ‘type’

Tall, dark and handsome is a type, a type that has a pick of the dating pool! Don’t cut off the rest of the potential pool of people because they don’t have the right colour hair or aren’t tall enough. I always find a match is more on a connection level, that all important ‘magnetism’. You can feel it with the most random people who you wouldn’t put in your ‘type’ box but there is definite sexual tension there – try dating them and see how it turns out.

#3 They actually walk the walk

This in my book is numero uno! Obviously listen to them, but if they’re telling you something contradictory to how they are acting then listen to their body language. Standing you up, ignoring you, overly flirting with others, whatever your certain hang-up is, if they do it repeatedly and just apologise then excuse them from your amazing life.

Any kind of behaviour that makes you feel disrespected, undervalued or ignored is NOT okay and it won’t get better. Plenty of people out there who are worthy of your time – spend it on them.

#4 Be Yourself

It may sound like a bit of a cliché but you should always feel comfortable around your other half. If you can’t be yourself without being judged then something is wrong – we’re going for complete acceptance here people! A good relationship should make you just want to be yourself and not be constantly wearing a mask which isn’t sustainable. You should be loved for you – simple!

#5 Relax

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! People amplify how they are feeling outside of themselves and others can pick up on it. If you are feeling desperate, chances are you will act it and ignore some warning signs if your choice is less than perfect. Focus on attracting the right kind of people and take time for yourself, so you can love yourself, because you can’t expect someone else to hold you all together if you can’t.

How did you meet your Mrs Right? Let me know what tips you give your girlfriends?

Catherine works in international marketing and events, she has a passion for sharing her knowledge to help others in their career. A keen traveler she has lived in New Zealand, China and England, and explored a lot more of the world; Catherine describes herself as a cup half full and embraces her busy life at 100mph.